The golden eagle was selected as the state bird of Utah during the 2022 legislative session (Utah Code). The bill was sponsored by Senator Mike McKell (R-Spanish Fork). It officially became Utah’s state bird of prey after S.B. 116 was signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox on March 23, 2022.

“It’s a matter of getting people interested in birds of prey and caring about them,” said Cooper Farr, director of conservation for the Tracy Aviary. “Specifically caring about this really kind of iconic, beautiful, interesting bird that the golden eagle is.” (Salt Lake Tribune) – paywall (need PDF from Utah Newspapers)

Golden eagles inhabit western North America, ranging from Alaska to northern Mexico. While some northern populations migrate south for the winter, most golden eagles in Utah stay year-round. They are commonly found in mountain regions and are a frequent sight in Utah.

Golden Eagle Scientific Classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Aquila
Species: A. chrysaetos

Golden eagles primarily prey on small mammals such as rabbits, marmots, hares, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs. They also consume insects, snakes, other birds, and carrion. Attacks on large, healthy mammals are rare. Golden eagles typically hunt in the early mornings and evenings, sometimes in pairs, and can go without food for several days. In 2015, the golden eagle was added to the Utah List of Species of Greatest Conservation Need.

Golden eagles mate for life and often return to the same nest year after year. They build nests on cliffs or in large trees and typically lay two eggs between late February and early March in Utah. The female primarily incubates the eggs for about 45 days. After hatching, the parents care for the young for 30 days, and the eaglets can usually fly after 60 days.

Golden eagles have impressive wingspans of up to 7 feet and can fly at speeds of up to 198 miles per hour. They are also capable of soaring for extended periods. 

The oldest recorded Golden Eagle was at least 31 years, 8 months old, when it was found in 2012 in Utah. It was banded in Utah in 1980.